Monday, August 24, 2015

Live racing returns to Suffolk Downs with three racing and food truck festivals

EAST BOSTON, MA – Live Thoroughbred racing will return to Suffolk Downs after a ten-month hiatus. Starting Saturday, September 5 and continuing on Saturday, October 3 and October 31, the track will host three special festival days of racing which will include food trucks from over a dozen vendors, craft beer, live music and family fun activities for the whole family.

“We are very excited for the return of the 80-year tradition of live racing here, for the opportunity to keep people working as we transition to the development of the property and to provide a venue for the NEHBPA and the Mass breeders for this year and next,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer at Suffolk Downs.

Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and first post for live racing is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. In addition to traditional flat racing, fans can expect to be treated to steeplechase racing for the first time at the East Boston oval since 1997. Some familiar faces from the trainer and jockey colony will be returning for the races as well as some of the top players from racetracks across the East Coast to compete for purse money in excess of half a million dollars.

“These will be three days of celebration, the last of which will coincide with the Breeders’ Cup on October 31st,” said Lou Raffetto, a consultant for the New England HBPA who is overseeing the planning of the festival. “We are inviting everyone who loves horses, loves Suffolk Downs, loves food trucks and craft beer and just wants to spend the day with us having family fun. We really see it as one big party during three great days.”

Some of Boston’s favorite food trucks will be part of these three race dates. Come enjoy a day of racing but be sure to come hungry and enjoy everything burgers to Asian to grilled cheese to sirloin sliders, hot dogs and more! Twelve great food trucks will be on hand…including Bonetown Burgers, Yumm Bai, Trolley Dogs, Mommogoose and more!